What Happens When You Learn to Be Generous? By Rick Warren
“When the LORD blesses you with riches, you have nothing to regret.” Proverbs 10:22 (CEV)
Imagine if a father took his son to McDonald’s and bought him a large order of french fries. And, as they were driving home, the father thought, “Man, those fries smell so good.” But, when he reached over to take just one french fry, his son pushed his hand away and said, “Dad, you can't have one. These are my fries!”
As they continued to drive along, the man thought, “Wow. First of all, my child has forgotten that I am the source of all he's got. I brought him to McDonald’s, ordered the fries, paid for them, and handed the fries to him. The only reason he has fries is because of me!
“And my child doesn't realize I could take those fries away if I wanted to. I could just grab the whole box and eat them myself. Or I could buy my son a truckload of french fries!
“What’s more, I don’t need his fries. If I wanted some, I could have gotten my own. But I want him to learn to be unselfish.”
When it comes to God and your finances, do you ever find yourself being like the boy with his french fries? When you feel God prompting you to use your money in a certain way, do you want to push him away and keep your money for yourself?
In the story, the dad wanted his son to understand three things that are the same lessons God wants you to learn about money. First, he wants you to know it’s not your money. You don't really own anything; everything you think you own is on loan from God. Next, God could take your money away in an instant, or he could double it or triple it. And, lastly, what he wants most of all is for you to learn to not be selfish and be more like him.
What happens when you learn to be more generous with your money? You become less selfish—more like God—and then he will give you more because he can trust you. And it comes without shame, guilt, or regret.
“When the LORD blesses you with riches, you have nothing to regret” (Proverbs 10:22 CEV).
Learning to trust God with your money and to become more like him in the way you use your money is a lifelong process. Start making choices today that will move you toward this goal.
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